COYOTES VS BOBCATS: WHAT ARE THEY EATING?
Over the next 3 years (2012-2014), the University of Florida will be conducting a study of coyote and bobcat diets in Florida. Of particular interest is the importance of popular wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, and bobwhite quail, livestock, and pets in the diet of these predators. Diets will be determined by examining the stomach contents of coyotes and bobcats legally harvested or obtained in Florida. We are asking for your help in obtaining legally acquired coyote and bobcat carcasses, with or without pelts. We will also accept coyote and bobcat stomachs and intestines if you cannot store the whole carcass. If you have at least 5 animals that you would like to provide us, you can contact Lauren Watine (352-846-0558; lnwatine@ufl.edu) or Bill Giuliano (352-846-0575; docg@ufl.edu) at the University of Florida to arrange for pickup. If you have fewer than 5 animals or are going to be coming through Gainesville, arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup. Carcasses or stomachs and intestines should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, animal sex, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained. We have obtained a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for this project, and will keep information provided by you for this project anonymous to the extent possible by law. We greatly appreciate your help with this valuable study!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

TREE PLANTING TRENDS UPWARD After a decade of a sharply declining trend in Florida tree planting, the newest information gathered by the Florida Forest Service shows an increase in planting for the period of 2008-2011. During that period, the total area planted increased from approximately 61,000 acres to approximately 117,000 acres. Despite that increase, Florida tree planting still lags far below the levels achieved from the mid- 1950's through the 1990's. See the chart here.

FORAGES OF FLORIDA APP NOW AVAILABLE ON IFAS MOBILEForages of Florida app, Grasses and Legumes for Florida, has been added to the IFAS Mobile site. Use your mobile device to go to http://m.ifas.ufl.edu to see the updated site.

COYOTES VS BOBCATS: WHAT ARE THEY EATING?Over the next 3 years (2012-2014), the University of Florida will be conducting a study of coyote and bobcat diets in Florida. Of particular interest is the importance of popular wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, and bobwhite quail, livestock, and pets in the diet of these predators. Diets will be determined by examining the stomach contents of coyotes and bobcats legally harvested or obtained in Florida. We are asking for your help in obtaining legally acquired coyote and bobcat carcasses, with or without pelts. We will also accept coyote and bobcat stomachs and intestines if you cannot store the whole carcass. If you have at least 5 animals that you would like to provide us, you can contact Lauren Watine (352-846-0558; lnwatine@ufl.edu) or Bill Giuliano (352-846-0575; docg@ufl.edu) at the University of Florida to arrange for pickup. If you have fewer than 5 animals or are going to be coming through Gainesville, arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup. Carcasses or stomachs and intestines should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, animal sex, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained. We have obtained a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for this project, and will keep information provided by you for this project anonymous to the extent possible by law. We greatly appreciate your help with this valuable study!

Friday, November 16, 2012

ACCESS UF/IFAS RESOURCES ANYTIME WITH IFAS MOBILEThe new IFAS Mobile site has been placed in production at http://m.ifas.ufl.edu. Use your mobile device Web browser to access it. You can bookmark it, and even copy the bookmark to your device home screen by selecting the "About" button at the bottom left, then follow the instructions.

COYOTES VS BOBCATS: WHAT ARE THEY EATING?
Over the next 3 years (2012-2014), the University of Florida will be conducting a study of coyote and bobcat diets in Florida. Of particular interest is the importance of popular wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, and bobwhite quail, livestock, and pets in the diet of these predators. Diets will be determined by examining the stomach contents of coyotes and bobcats legally harvested or obtained in Florida. We are asking for your help in obtaining legally acquired coyote and bobcat carcasses, with or without pelts. We will also accept coyote and bobcat stomachs and intestines if you cannot store the whole carcass. If you have at least 5 animals that you would like to provide us, you can contact Lauren Watine (352-846-0558; lnwatine@ufl.edu) or Bill Giuliano (352-846-0575; docg@ufl.edu) at the University of Florida to arrange for pickup. If you have fewer than 5 animals or are going to be coming through Gainesville, arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup. Carcasses or stomachs and intestines should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, animal sex, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained. We have obtained a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for this project, and will keep information provided by you for this project anonymous to the extent possible by law. We greatly appreciate your help with this valuable study!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

US STUDENTS RECEIVE INTERNATIONAL APPRECIATION FOR NATURAL HISTORY OF INSECT PEST AWARDS

José G. Crespo, Department of Biology, University of Utah and Nathan S. Little, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University received this year's award. The award promotes the study of unexplored aspects of natural history of insect pests. These insect groups are often condemned as harmful, while their remarkable qualities and peculiarities remain unnoticed. For example, only a handful of species of bark and ambrosia beetles cause damage to human enteprise, while most of the remaining 7,500 species are fascinating organisms with extraordinary lifestyles, and barely known to humans. The same discrepancy holds for many other insect groups. The main purpose of the award is to foster communication between fundamental and applied young entomologists, and increase their appreciation for each other’s study organisms and research methods. More information at: http://www.ambrosiasymbiosis.org/2012/10/pest-award-results-2012/

Over the next 3 years (2012-2014), the University of Florida will be conducting a study of coyote and bobcat diets in Florida. Of particular interest is the importance of popular wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, and bobwhite quail, livestock, and pets in the diet of these predators. Diets will be determined by examining the stomach contents of coyotes and bobcats legally harvested or obtained in Florida. We are asking for your help in obtaining legally acquired coyote and bobcat carcasses, with or without pelts. We will also accept coyote and bobcat stomachs and intestines if you cannot store the whole carcass. If you have at least 5 animals that you would like to provide us, you can contact Lauren Watine (352-846-0558; lnwatine@ufl.edu) or Bill Giuliano (352-846-0575; docg@ufl.edu) at the University of Florida to arrange for pickup. If you have fewer than 5 animals or are going to be coming through Gainesville, arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup. Carcasses or stomachs and intestines should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, animal sex, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained. We have obtained a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for this project, and will keep information provided by you for this project anonymous to the extent possible by law. We greatly appreciate your help with this valuable study!

FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCES WEBINARS

For a calendar of upcoming webinars in a variety of land management topics see:

Monday, October 22, 2012

The next wave of advanced biofuels could come from a surprising source — loblolly and other species of pine trees that blanket the American South. Tapping pine trees for resin, or terpene, is a 400-year-old practice.Researchers at the University of Florida are using genetic modification to increase production of terpene five-fold and convert that into an advanced biofuel.This renewable energy innovation is made possible in part through a $6.2 milliongrant from ARPA-E.See Dr Gary Peter’s YouTube clip about this project at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGZMm4-rIfk

Introduction to Prescribed Fire in Southern Ecosystems is designed to help resource managers to plan and execute prescribed burns in Southern forests and grasslands. The guide is currently available for viewing and printing online at http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/41316. Printed copies of the guide, listed as Science Update-SRS-54, are now available for order through pubrequest@fs.fed.us.

Over the next 3 years (2012-2014), the University of Florida will be conducting a study of coyote and bobcat diets in Florida. Of particular interest is the importance of popular wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, and bobwhite quail, livestock, and pets in the diet of these predators. Diets will be determined by examining the stomach contents of coyotes and bobcats legally harvested or obtained in Florida. We are asking for your help in obtaining legally acquired coyote and bobcat carcasses, with or without pelts. We will also accept coyote and bobcat stomachs and intestines if you cannot store the whole carcass. If you have at least 5 animals that you would like to provide us, you can contact Lauren Watine (352-846-0558; lnwatine@ufl.edu) or Bill Giuliano (352-846-0575; docg@ufl.edu) at the University of Florida to arrange for pickup. If you have fewer than 5 animals or are going to be coming through Gainesville, arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup. Carcasses or stomachs and intestines should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, animal sex, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained. We have obtained a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for this project, and will keep information provided by you for this project anonymous to the extent possible by law. We greatly appreciate your help with this valuable study!

FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCES WEBINARS

For a calendar of upcoming webinars in a variety of land management topics see:

USDA LABORATORY AND STUDENTS RELEASE BEETLES TO COMBAT AIR POTATO VINE IN FLORIDA
USDA scientists teamed with Broward County students last week to release beetles that are proving to be an effective biological control against the air potato vine, an aggressive, invasive exotic plant that is displacing native plant species and disrupting ecological functions throughout Florida. Air potato leaf beetles (Lilioceris cheni) were released in an area infested by the vine, and visited a nearby beetle establishment site to observe the beneficial impact of the biocontrol program. Sixteen beetles, released on March 1, 2012, produced thousands of offspring which have caused nearly complete defoliation of the plants in the release area. The beetle release resulted from ARS research on environmentally friendly ways to combat air potato vine, with support on the final collections of the beetle in southern China by ARS’ Australian Biological Control Laboratory. More releases are planned for air potato infestations in north Florida.

COYOTES VS BOBCATS: WHAT ARE THEY EATING?
Over the next 3 years (2012-2014), the University of Florida will be conducting a study of coyote and bobcat diets in Florida. Of particular interest is the importance of popular wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, and bobwhite quail, livestock, and pets in the diet of these predators. Diets will be determined by examining the stomach contents of coyotes and bobcats legally harvested or obtained in Florida. We are asking for your help in obtaining legally acquired coyote and bobcat carcasses, with or without pelts. We will also accept coyote and bobcat stomachs and intestines if you cannot store the whole carcass. If you have at least 5 animals that you would like to provide us, you can contact Lauren Watine (352-846-0558; lnwatine@ufl.edu) or Bill Giuliano (352-846-0575; docg@ufl.edu) at the University of Florida to arrange for pickup. If you have fewer than 5 animals or are going to be coming through Gainesville, arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup. Carcasses or stomachs and intestines should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, animal sex, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained. We have obtained a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for this project, and will keep information provided by you for this project anonymous to the extent possible by law. We greatly appreciate your help with this valuable study!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

UF-IFAS EXTENSION SOIL TESTING PROGRAM - CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SERVICE

The Extension Soil Testing Program is one of the oldest and largest educational programs offered by IFAS, and is housed in the Soil & Water Science Department. For more information on soil, water and tissue testing, IFAS nutrient recommendations, see http://soilslab.ifas.ufl.edu/or contact Rao Mylavarapu at raom@ufl.edu.

A recent study, by the UF-IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation, quantified the economic values of four key ecosystem services provided by437,800 acres of Florida’s working forests enrolled in the Forest Stewardship Program (FSP): water quality, carbon storage, timber production, and wildlife conservation. The study found that, on average, a typical acre of forest enrolled in the FSP provides ecosystem services with a present value of $5,030 for a mix of private and public uses. Full report here: http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/CFEOR/

Over the next 3 years (2012-2014), the University of Florida will be conducting a study of coyote and bobcat diets in Florida. Of particular interest is the importance of popular wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, and bobwhite quail, livestock, and pets in the diet of these predators. Diets will be determined by examining the stomach contents of coyotes and bobcats legally harvested or obtained in Florida. We are asking for your help in obtaining legally acquired coyote and bobcat carcasses, with or without pelts. We will also accept coyote and bobcat stomachs and intestines if you cannot store the whole carcass. If you have at least 5 animals that you would like to provide us, you can contact Lauren Watine (352-846-0558; lnwatine@ufl.edu) or Bill Giuliano (352-846-0575; docg@ufl.edu) at the University of Florida to arrange for pickup. If you have fewer than 5 animals or are going to be coming through Gainesville, arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup. Carcasses or stomachs and intestines should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, animal sex, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained. We have obtained a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for this project, and will keep information provided by you for this project anonymous to the extent possible by law. We greatly appreciate your help with this valuable study!

FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCES WEBINARS

For a calendar of upcoming webinars in a variety of land management topics see:

Friday, August 31, 2012

UF STUDY DETERMINES VALUE OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES ON FOREST STEWARDSHIP LANDS AT $2.07 BILLION
A recent study, by the UF-IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation, quantified the economic values of four key ecosystem services provided by 437,800 acres of Florida’s working forests enrolled in the Forest Stewardship Program (FSP): water quality, carbon storage, timber production, and wildlife conservation. The study found that, on average, a typical acre of forest enrolled in the FSP provides ecosystem services with a present value of $5,030 for a mix of private and public uses. Full report here: http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/CFEOR/

COYOTES VS BOBCATS: WHAT ARE THEY EATING?
Over the next 3 years (2012-2014), the University of Florida will be conducting a study of coyote and bobcat diets in Florida. Of particular interest is the importance of popular wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, and bobwhite quail, livestock, and pets in the diet of these predators. Diets will be determined by examining the stomach contents of coyotes and bobcats legally harvested or obtained in Florida. We are asking for your help in obtaining legally acquired coyote and bobcat carcasses, with or without pelts. We will also accept coyote and bobcat stomachs and intestines if you cannot store the whole carcass. If you have at least 5 animals that you would like to provide us, you can contact Lauren Watine (352-846-0558; lnwatine@ufl.edu) or Bill Giuliano (352-846-0575; docg@ufl.edu) at the University of Florida to arrange for pickup. If you have fewer than 5 animals or are going to be coming through Gainesville, arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup. Carcasses or stomachs and intestines should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, animal sex, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained. We have obtained a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for this project, and will keep information provided by you for this project anonymous to the extent possible by law. We greatly appreciate your help with this valuable study!

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

UF STUDY DETERMINES VALUE OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES ON FOREST STEWARDSHIP LANDS AT $2.07 BILLION
A recent study, by the UF-IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation, quantified the economic values of four key ecosystem services provided by 437,800 acres of Florida’s working forests enrolled in the Forest Stewardship Program (FSP): water quality, carbon storage, timber production, and wildlife conservation. The study found that, on average, a typical acre of forest enrolled in the FSP provides ecosystem services with a present value of $5,030 for a mix of private and public uses. This can be interpreted as how much the future stream of ecosystem services from the typical acre is worth in today’s dollars (assuming a 3% discount rate, 20-year time horizon), and it includes both outputs that are sold on the market by landowners (timber) and those that typically are not (water quality, carbon sequestration, and wildlife habitat).

Altogether, the present value of these ecosystem services from FSP forests was more than $2.07 billion; water provided the largest share of the value (66%), followed by carbon stocks (25%), timber production (7%) and wildlife (2%). Results are a conservative estimate but can be used to inform the public and policy-makers about the benefits of programs such as the FSP that maintain and conserve working forests. Full report here: http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/CFEOR/

WEYERHAEUSER ANNOUNCES SUPPLY CHAIN PREFERENCE FOR TREE FARM CERTIFIED WOOD
Weyerhaeuser, one of the world's largest forest products companies, announced a supply chain preference for certified material sourced from the American Tree Farm System. The preference for ATFS wood will be implemented at Weyerhaeuser through a number of measures, including incentives, procurement decisions, corporate policy, and support for expansion of the American Tree Farm System. See ATFS news piece for more details.

USDA ANNOUNCES EVERGLADES INITIATIVE
Through the Everglades Initiative, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and partners work with producers and landowners to implement voluntary conservation practices that improve water quality, control invasive plant species, benefit wildlife and fish habitat and support rural economies in the Florida Everglades region. $80 million is available through easement and cost-share programs. See NRCS Everglades Initiative web site for more details.

FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF CHIPMUNK SIGHTINGS
Eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) are listed as a Species of Special Concern in Florida, and are known locally as ground squirrels. Chipmunks have reddish-brown fur with alternating light and dark stripes along their back. Information on current distribution and abundance are lacking. Your observations can help FWC biologists to evaluate the conservation needs of chipmunks and develop a management plan for keeping their populations healthy. Report sightins here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/chipmunk/getlatlong.aspx
Questions? Please contact Chris Winchester (Chris.Winchester@MyFWC.com)

UF BIOLOGISTS SEEK HELP FINDING OUT WHAT COYOTES ARE EATING
Coyote carcasses wanted! If you have at least 5 coyote carcasses that you would like to provide for this study, contact Bill Giuliano at the University of Florida to arrange for pickup (352-846-0575; docg@ufl.edu). If you have fewer than 5 animals or are going to be coming through Gainesville, arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup. Carcasses should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained (at least to the county level). We have obtained a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for this project, and will keep information provided by you for this project anonymous to the extent possible by law. We greatly appreciate your help with this valuable study!

Monday, July 2, 2012

"YOUR BACKYARD WOODS AND WILDLIFE" BOOK NOW AVAILABLE AT UF-IFAS BOOKSTORE
“Your Backyard Woods and Wildlife: A Handbook for Florida Landowners” is the University of Florida’s first and only book designed for landowners of small properties of 20 acres or less. The book begins with an introduction to Florida's ecosystems, plants and wildlife, and some basics on how to assess forest health. The second section details some land management strategies, and the third section is an extensive catalog of useful print and online resources. For landowners interested in managing their land, making back a little money, and/or conserving Florida’s natural resources for future generations, Your Backyard Woods and Wildlife is a great place to start. The book is available for sale online and qualifies for quantity discount pricing:http://ifasbooks.ifas.ufl.edu/p-1177-your-backyard-woods-and-wildlife-a-handbook-for-florida-landowners.aspx

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA CELEBRATES 150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE MORRILL ACT, BEGINNING OF THE LAND GRANT UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
The Morrill Act, passed in 1862, established the land grant university system by which public lands were donated to support colleges, providing citizens greater access to higher education. For more information about this and associated landmark legislation, see http://landgrant.ufl.edu/

FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF CHIPMUNK SIGHTINGS
Eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) are listed as a Species of Special Concern in Florida, and are known locally as ground squirrels. Chipmunks have reddish-brown fur with alternating light and dark stripes along their back. Information on current distribution and abundance are lacking. Your observations can help FWC biologists to evaluate the conservation needs of chipmunks and develop a management plan for keeping their populations healthy. Report sightins here:https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/chipmunk/getlatlong.aspx
Questions? Please contact Chris Winchester (Chris.Winchester@MyFWC.com)

SMALL FARMS AND ALTERNATIVE ENTERPRISES CONFERENCE: EDUCATING ENTREPRENEURS TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS, JULY 27-29, 2012, KISSIMMEE, FL
Early registration deadline is July 9 but many sessions have limited capacity so register as soon as possible. See the website for more details and registration: http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/index.html

UF BIOLOGISTS SEEK HELP FINDING OUT WHAT COYOTES ARE EATING
Coyote carcasses wanted! If you have at least 5 coyote carcasses that you would like to provide for this study, contact Bill Giuliano at the University of Florida to arrange for pickup (352-846-0575; docg@ufl.edu). If you have fewer than 5 animals or are going to be coming through Gainesville, arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup. Carcasses should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained (at least to the county level). We have obtained a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for this project, and will keep information provided by you for this project anonymous to the extent possible by law. We greatly appreciate your help with this valuable study!

HOT OFF THE PRESSES: "YOUR BACKYARD WOODS AND WILDLIFE" BOOK NOW AVAILABLE AT UF-IFAS BOOKSTORE
Get your copy of the new book, “Your Backyard Woods and Wildlife: A Handbook for Florida Landowners”. This is the University of Florida’s first and only book designed for landowners of small properties of 20 acres or less. The book begins with an introduction to Florida's ecosystems, plants and wildlife, and some basics on how to assess forest health. The second section details some land management strategies, including chapters on
• Protecting water quality
• Creating wildlife habitat
• Protecting your home from wildfire
• Maintaining and improving forest health
• Managing for timber, recreation and other enterprises
• Planning for the future
The third section is an extensive catalog of useful print and online resources. For landowners interested in managing their land, making back a little money, and/or conserving Florida’s natural resources for future generations, Your Backyard Woods and Wildlife is a great place to start.
The book is available for sale online and qualifies for quantity discount pricing:http://ifasbooks.ifas.ufl.edu/p-1177-your-backyard-woods-and-wildlife-a-handbook-for-florida-landowners.aspx

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA CELEBRATES 150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE MORRILL ACT, BEGINNING OF THE LAND GRANT UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
The Morrill Act, passed in 1862, established the land grant university system by which public lands were donated to support colleges, providing citizens greater access to higher education. For more information about this and associated landmark legislation, see http://landgrant.ufl.edu/

FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF CHIPMUNK SIGHTINGS
Eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) are listed as a Species of Special Concern in Florida, and are known locally as ground squirrels. Chipmunks have reddish-brown fur with alternating light and dark stripes along their back. Information on current distribution and abundance are lacking. Your observations can help FWC biologists to evaluate the conservation needs of chipmunks and develop a management plan for keeping their populations healthy. Report sightins here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/chipmunk/getlatlong.aspx
Questions? Please contact Chris Winchester (Chris.Winchester@MyFWC.com)

SMALL FARMS AND ALTERNATIVE ENTERPRISES CONFERENCE: EDUCATING ENTREPRENEURS TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS, JULY 27-29, 2012, KISSIMMEE, FL
Early registration deadline is July 9 but many sessions have limited capacity so register as soon as possible. See the website for more details and registration: http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/index.html

UF BIOLOGISTS SEEK HELP FINDING OUT WHAT COYOTES ARE EATING
Coyote carcasses wanted! If you have at least 5 coyote carcasses that you would like to provide for this study, contact Bill Giuliano at the University of Florida to arrange for pickup (352-846-0575; docg@ufl.edu). If you have fewer than 5 animals or are going to be coming through Gainesville, arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup. Carcasses should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained (at least to the county level). We have obtained a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for this project, and will keep information provided by you for this project anonymous to the extent possible by law. We greatly appreciate your help with this valuable study!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

HOT OFF THE PRESSES: "YOUR BACKYARD WOODS AND WILDLIFE" BOOK NOW AVAILABLE AT UF-IFAS BOOKSTOREGet your copy of the new book, “Your Backyard Woods and Wildlife: A Handbook for Florida Landowners”. This is the University of Florida’s first and only book designed for landowners of small properties of 20 acres or less. The book begins with an introduction to Florida's ecosystems, plants and wildlife, and some basics on how to assess forest health. The second section details some land management strategies, including chapters on:

• Protecting water quality• Creating and enhancing wildlife habitat• Protecting your home from wildfire• Maintaining and improving forest health• Managing for timber, recreation and other enterprises• Planning for the future

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA CELEBRATES 150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE MORRILL ACT, BEGINNING OF THE LAND GRANT UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
The Morrill Act, passed in 1862, establised the land grant university system by which public lands were donated to support colleges, providing citizens greater access to higher education. For more information about this and associated landmark legislation, see http://landgrant.ufl.edu/

2012 SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE FORECASTBy Chris Pearce, Florida Forest Service
The results of the 2012 survey indicate that SPB populations are low at all but one trap location in St. Johns County and suggest that the risk of widespread SPB infestations in the majority of the surveyed counties is low. Full report (pdf)

SMALL FARMS AND ALTERNATIVE ENTERPRISES CONFERENCE: EDUCATING ENTREPRENEURS TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS, JULY 27-29, 2012, KISSIMMEE, FLEarly registration deadline is July 9 but many sessions have limited capacity so register as soon as possible. See the website for more details and registration: http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/index.html

UF BIOLOGISTS SEEK HELP FINDING OUT WHAT COYOTES ARE EATINGCoyote carcasses wanted! If you have at least 5 coyote carcasses that you would like to provide for this study, contact Bill Giuliano at the University of Florida to arrange for pickup (352-846-0575; docg@ufl.edu). If you have fewer than 5 animals or are going to be coming through Gainesville, arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup. Carcasses should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained (at least to the county level). We have obtained a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for this project, and will keep information provided by you for this project anonymous to the extent possible by law. We greatly appreciate your help with this valuable study!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA CELEBRATES 150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE MORRILL ACT, BEGINNING OF THE LAND GRANT UNIVERSITY SYSTEM The Morrill Act, passed in 1862, establised the land grant university system by which public lands were donated to support colleges, providing citizens greater access to higher education. For more information about this and associated landmark legislation, see http://landgrant.ufl.edu/

2012 SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE FORECASTBy Chris Pearce, Florida Forest ServiceA pheromone trap survey was conducted in March 2012 as part of an ongoing program to monitor the populations of Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) and its associated predators. The purpose is to provide an early-season prediction of the potential level of SPB activity in select Florida counties, and identify areas which may be at increased risk for an outbreak. The results of the 2012 survey indicate that SPB populations are low at all but one trap location in St. Johns County and suggest that the risk of widespread SPB infestations in the majority of the surveyed counties is low. Full report (pdf)

LADY LANDOWNERS, NEW RESOURCES FOR YOU AT THE NATIONAL WOMEN OWNING WOODLANDS WEB PROJECTA collaboration of the National Woodland Owners Association and the USDA Forest Service, the Women Owning Woodlands web project strives to bring topical, accessible, and current forestry information to woodland owners and forest practitioners through news articles, blogs, events, resources, and personal stories. We support women in forest leadership, women who manage their own woodlands, and all who facilitate the stewardship of forests. Learn More.

SMALL FARMS AND ALTERNATIVE ENTERPRISES CONFERENCE: EDUCATING ENTREPRENEURS TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS, JULY 27-29, 2012, KISSIMMEE, FLRegister now for this great event! An annual tradition, this event provides farmers with up-to-date, research-based, in-depth educational information. The conference aims to facilitate solutions-based collaboration by encouraging networking and an open dialog among members of Florida’s small farms community. Additionally, the conference is an excellent vehicle for increasing awareness of Florida’s small farms industry, which organizers accomplish by including participation from decision makers and supporting institutions, and partners from the public sector. Early registration deadline is July 9 but many sessions have limited capacity so register as soon as possible. See the website for more details and registration: http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/index.html

UF BIOLOGISTS SEEK HELP FINDING OUT WHAT COYOTES ARE EATING Coyote carcasses wanted! If you have at least 5 coyote carcasses that you would like to provide for this study, contact Bill Giuliano at the University of Florida to arrange for pickup (352-846-0575; docg@ufl.edu). If you have fewer than 5 animals or are going to be coming through Gainesville, arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup. Carcasses should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained (at least to the county level). We have obtained a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for this project, and will keep information provided by you for this project anonymous to the extent possible by law. We greatly appreciate your help with this valuable study!

WANT TO CUT BACK ON PAPER MAIL?If you receive the Florida Land Steward Newsletter by mail and prefer to get the publication online via a link provided in regular email updates, let us know. Contact Chris Demers, cdemers@ufl.edu, (352) 846-2375.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

A pheromone trap survey was conducted in March 2012 as part of an ongoing program to monitor the populations of Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) and its associated predators.The purpose is to provide an early-season prediction of the potential level of SPB activity in select Florida counties, and identify areas which may be at increased risk for an outbreak.The results of the 2012 survey indicate that SPB populations are low at all but one trap location in St. Johns County and suggest that the risk of widespread SPB infestations in the majority of the surveyed counties is low. Full report (pdf)

DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR WORKING LANDS FOR WILDLIFE COST-SHARE PROGRAMPrivate landowners are eligible to receive funds specifically for managing gopher tortoise habitat. Of the $33 million mentioned in the press release below, approx. $6 million is reserved for improving gopher tortoise habitat throughout its range. The goal of this new funding initiative is to help reverse the decline of 7 critical species. The deadline for landowners to submit applications is May 30, 2012. Information on how to apply is included on the US Fish and Wildlife Service website at http://www.fws.gov/workinglandsforwildlife.html. Landowners can contact their local NRCS office for more information. Find your local contact here: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app

LADY LANDOWNERS, NEW RESOURCES FOR YOU AT THE NATIONAL WOMEN OWNING WOODLANDS WEB PROJECTA collaboration of the National Woodland Owners Association and the USDA Forest Service, the Women Owning Woodlands web project strives to bring topical, accessible, and current forestry information to woodland owners and forest practitioners through news articles, blogs, events, resources, and personal stories. We support women in forest leadership, women who manage their own woodlands, and all who facilitate the stewardship of forests. See web site.

SMALL FARMS AND ALTERNATIVE ENTERPRISES CONFERENCE: EDUCATING ENTREPRENEURS TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS, JULY 27-29, 2012, KISSIMMEE, FLRegister now for this great event! An annual tradition, this event provides farmers with up-to-date, research-based, in-depth educational information. The conference aims to facilitate solutions-based collaboration by encouraging networking and an open dialog among members of Florida’s small farms community. Additionally, the conference is an excellent vehicle for increasing awareness of Florida’s small farms industry, which organizers accomplish by including participation from decision makers and supporting institutions, and partners from the public sector. Early registration deadline is July 9 but many sessions have limited capacity so register as soon as possible. See the website for more details and registration: http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/index.html

UF BIOLOGISTS SEEK HELP FINDING OUT WHAT COYOTES ARE EATINGCoyote carcasses wanted! If you have at least 5 coyote carcasses that you would like to provide for this study, contact Bill Giuliano at the University of Florida to arrange for pickup (352-846-0575; docg@ufl.edu).If you have fewer than 5 animals or are going to be coming through Gainesville, arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup.Carcasses should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained (at least to the county level).We have obtained a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for this project, and will keep information provided by you for this project anonymous to the extent possible by law.We greatly appreciate your help with this valuable study!

WANT TO CUT BACK ON PAPER MAIL?If you receive the Florida Land Steward Newsletter by mail and prefer to get the publication online via a link provided in regular email updates, let us know. Contact Chris Demers, cdemers@ufl.edu, (352) 846-2375.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR WORKING LANDS FOR WILDLIFE COST-SHARE PROGRAM Private landowners are eligible to receive funds specifically for managing gopher tortoise habitat. Of the $33 million mentioned in the press release below, approx. $6 million is reserved for improving gopher tortoise habitat throughout its range. The goal of this new funding initiative is to help reverse the decline of 7 critical species. The deadline for landowners to submit applications is May 30, 2012. Information on how to apply is included on the US Fish and Wildlife Service website at http://www.fws.gov/workinglandsforwildlife.html. Landowners can contact their local NRCS office for more information. Find your local contact here: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app

LADY LANDOWNERS, RESOURCES FOR YOU AT THE NATIONAL WOMEN OWNING WOODLANDS WEB PROJECT A collaboration of the National Woodland Owners Association and the USDA Forest Service, the Women Owning Woodlands web project strives to bring topical, accessible, and current forestry information to woodland owners and forest practitioners through news articles, blogs, events, resources, and personal stories. We support women in forest leadership, women who manage their own woodlands, and all who facilitate the stewardship of forests. Learn More.

SMALL FARMS AND ALTERNATIVE ENTERPRISES CONFERENCE: EDUCATING ENTREPRENEURS TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS, JULY 27-29, 2012, KISSIMMEE, FLRegister now for this great event! An annual tradition, this event provides farmers with up-to-date, research-based, in-depth educational information. The conference aims to facilitate solutions-based collaboration by encouraging networking and an open dialog among members of Florida’s small farms community. Additionally, the conference is an excellent vehicle for increasing awareness of Florida’s small farms industry, which organizers accomplish by including participation from decision makers and supporting institutions, and partners from the public sector. Early registration deadline is July 9 but many sessions have limited capacity so register as soon as possible. See the website for more details and registration: http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/index.html

UF BIOLOGISTS SEEK HELP FINDING OUT WHAT COYOTES ARE EATING Coyote carcasses wanted! If you have at least 5 coyote carcasses that you would like to provide for this study, contact Bill Giuliano at the University of Florida to arrange for pickup (352-846-0575; docg@ufl.edu). If you have fewer than 5 animals or are going to be coming through Gainesville, arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup. Carcasses should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained (at least to the county level). We have obtained a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for this project, and will keep information provided by you for this project anonymous to the extent possible by law. We greatly appreciate your help with this valuable study!

WANT TO CUT BACK ON PAPER MAIL? If you receive the Florida Land Steward Newsletter by mail and prefer to get the publication online via a link provided in regular email updates, let us know. Contact Chris Demers, cdemers@ufl.edu, (352) 846-2375